Initial work to prepare for a multi-million-pound transformation of Kendal’s indoor market hall has been completed.
Work, including perimeter wall repairs, roof replacement, solar PV installation, an internal strip out, electric work and redecoration have been undertaken by local construction company Top Notch Contractors Ltd, funded by £840,126 from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Thanks to funding from Phase 4 of the government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, the hall’s gas fired heating will be removed and replaced with an air source heat pump system, with further measures such as energy-efficient LED lighting and automated doors to follow.
Specialist consultants Market Curators has been appointed to guide the project through its next stages towards completion and reopening as a destination within the town and the wider county.
Cllr Helen Chaffey, Westmorland & Furness Council’s cabinet member for community services, said: “This has been a golden opportunity to revitalise the market hall and to provide Kendal with an upgraded community and commercial space which is fit for the 21st century.
“This development will add to the town centre’s identity as a great place where residents, workers and visitors alike can enjoy shopping, visiting and spending time.
“Kendal has had a Market Charter since 1189 and Westmorland & Furness Council takes the responsibility of being the market’s custodians very seriously.
“Deciding how we proceed now is not something to take lightly and we understand that stakeholders and the wider community need to be involved in developing future plans. Now the Heart of Kendal funding is secure we can crack on and create something really special.”
The next phase is funded as part of the Heart of Kendal programme, which saw the Government confirm in February an award of up to £13,476,700 for town centre regeneration schemes and improvements to connectivity along the River Kent.
Market Curators will carry out engagement with market stakeholders and the wider community over the coming months to offer the opportunity to input into the designs and the future look, feel and offer of the new market hall.
Around 220 people spoke to council officers at engagement sessions at the market in October and gave views on stall design; internal and external decoration and design; events and activities; accessibility and inclusivity; and the preferred type of traders.
Once a contractor has been appointed for the design and build the next stage of work to fully regenerate the market hall will require an extended closure, with the work expected to be completed and the building reopened by autumn 2027.
